www.actongreen.org.uk

EALING COMMUNITY AND POLICE CONSULTATIVE GROUP

REPORT OF A MEETING, SEPTEMBER 25, 2003

Attendance approx. 70. Two guest speakers failed to appear. A long meeting, 7.30 – 9.40, with plenty of audience participation. Following a crime report, Chief Super. Martin Bridger responded to questions sent in advance; he was very thorough.

CRIME – Inspector Mick Taylor

a)     Street crime is top priority, with 50 Officers exclusively employed. A two week focus resulted in 30% reduction

b)     Burglary- 11% reduction, but concern at 100 incidents in previous week

c)     Motor vehicles – getting worse. Two week initiative with 10 crime cars and increased visible presence

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS – Chief Superintendent Martin Bridger

1.      Tayser guns. He prefers alternatives. Current pilot schemes include the Met. Police; they have been used once in Hounslow

2.      Drug testing on criminals. The pilot scheme includes Ealing; tests for heroin, crack cocaine showed 60% positive

3.      Should Police be drug tested? An emotive subject. Random tests possible. May come in time

4.      How are resources allocated? According to intelligence gathered. Affected by external demands, eg terrorism

5.      Bogus callers. Often travellers; a burglary artifice. Need to identify who has been burgled; often repeat

6.      Problems of contacting Police. Recognises problem; trying to deal. Central control system starting October, 2004, should improve situation

7.      Ealing, a gun crime borough? NOT true; it is 11/32 in London

8.      Involving the community. Extensive: Neighbourhood Watch, Youth Policy Group, Independent Advisory Group, ECPCG, Street Watch, Crime Stoppers, partnership work with Ealing Council.

9.      Crime statistics; not readily available – working on it! Ward based information on crime will be available quarterly

10.  Intelligence from general public is LIFEBLOOD. Public urged to have  confidence to speak out; anonymity by using Crimestoppers (0800 555 111), who are trained and experienced, and protect individuals

11.  Partnership with Ealing Council; good, eg in schools, but nothing in colleges and universities. Need to reach out

12.  Crime hot spots. S Acton Estate recognised. From October 14, full time (24 hour, 7 day) police presence for one year, together with Council environment department to deal with, eg unlicensed drivers, rubbish

13.  Fly-tipping. Responsibility of Council on public land, but not on private land. Law is complicated and needs changing. Address your MPs!

14.  Permanent beat Officers; MB still committed. Still some vacancies. They will not be called away to other duties for more than 5 days a month

Next meeting November 20, venue tba. Meetings are open and the public are very welcome.

Liz Dendy, September 2003